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The ex-president of France will soon publish a book this autumn named A Prisoner’s Diary, chronicling his experience spent in custody.

The revelation came less than two weeks following Sarkozy was released while his appeal proceeds the guilty verdict on charges of unlawful coordination in a case to acquire election campaign funds provided by the government of Muammar Gaddafi.

Time in Custody: Solitary Musings

“Inside jail visibility is limited, and nothing to do,” he writes in a preview, indicating the account will focus on his musings from solitary confinement instead of extensive analysis regarding the packed and crisis-hit correctional facilities in the country.

“I forget silence, which is missing at the prison, where noise is constant sound,” he states. “The racket persists relentlessly. Yet, similar to barren lands, personal reflection grows stronger behind bars.”

Release Hearing: Sharing the Struggle

While appealing for release, he was present by video link from his cell, characterizing his incarceration as draining. He stated to the judge: “I must acknowledge those working in the jail, showing great humanity, easing this ordeal bearable – because it is a nightmare.”

“It never crossed my mind that in my seventies, I’d find myself behind bars. It’s a hardship I must endure. It’s challenging, I acknowledge, extremely tough. It affects one on any prisoner because it’s gruelling.”

First of Its Kind

Sarkozy, who led the nation between 2007 and 2012, set a precedent as ex-leader from the EU and the initial post-WWII figure in the French Republic to serve time in prison.

Before entering jail he mentioned he would use his time for authoring a memoir.

Reading Material

Unconfirmed is whether he had time to read and critique the three books he had in his cell: a two-volume biography of Jesus plus the novel by Dumas the classic tale, a plot where a blameless person ends up incarcerated later flees to take revenge.

Life in Confinement

Sarkozy was placed in solitary confinement for his own security in a space of about nine sq metres with his own shower and toilet at La Santé prison in the city. Two bodyguards occupied an adjacent room.

Sources mentioned his diet consisted just yogurt while inside because he feared any food may have been contaminated. Although he had access to cook for himself yet he declined, based on unnamed sources. It is uncertain whether Sarkozy will write about his dietary choices.

Defense Viewpoint

His attorney, who visited his client daily while he was in prison, told the release hearing he would be safer released rather than in custody. “He has faced death threats, has heard screaming after dark and emergency responses next door during an inmate’s self-injury.”

Case Background

His incarceration began last month when a French court sentenced him to five years in prison for illegal collaboration in connection with efforts to secure election financing for his 2007 presidential race.

He denies wrongdoing and is contesting the ruling, and another court case set for the coming spring.